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5 Ways To Spot A Well Maintained Used Car. - Car Talk - Nairaland

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5 Ways To Spot A Well Maintained Used Car. by ArmadaHQ001(m): 2:05pm On Aug 29
5 Ways To Spot A Well Maintained Used car.

Checking the Exterior/Interior

Before you begin your inspection, park the car on flat ground. That's because even ground allows you to plainly assess the condition of the tires and whether anything in the undercarriage is sagging. At the same time, search for rust, scratches, or dents in the car's paint. Run your fingers over the edges of the panel joints to look for rough or stumps caused by residue paint that was masked with tape. Pay great attention to indoor smells. Any nasty or moldy odor may indicate that the vehicle was once flooded. Surely, you sef no go like buy motor wey water don carry go where you no know.
And as much as scratches or dents in the paint don't affect a car's performance, you wouldn't want to spend a fortune on it regardless.

Check the Tires for Wear

Tires should be worn evenly and match. Inspect the tire's surface for feathering or uneven wear, which may indicate a poor alignment. Bad alignment can be caused by worn steering/suspension components or frame damage, which will impair the vehicle's performance. Poor alignment or tires with little tread might be a safety hazard.

Exhaust Pipe

Inspect the exhaust and undercarriage for rust and damage. Look for black stains on the exhaust system, which could indicate a leak. Spend some time inspecting the frame or body for damage and rust. When the engine is cool, inspect the exhaust with your finger; oily filth indicates a serious and perhaps costly problem.

Open the hood of the car and check for signs of damage.

Check that the car's hood opens readily and can be propped open when needed. Also, open and close the hood to ensure it is easily accessible and secure. Make sure to check the hoses and belts for damage. There should be no cracks or visible evidence of wear, like threading or discoloration. Pay particular attention to the timing belt's condition, as replacing it might be pricey. Radiator hoses should not be soft—that is an issue waiting to happen. Worn or broken belts might snap, causing a severe problem while the vehicle is in motion.

Finally, check the engine.

Inspect the engine for leaks and corrosion. Inspect the engine block for any dark brown oil streaks. This indicates a leak in a gasket, which could result in an expensive repair in the future. Check the fluid levels to ensure they are not empty. If any of the fluid holding tanks are empty, ask the seller why. It could indicate that there is a leak. You do not want to buy a car with a fluid leak unless you are willing to pay for the repairs.

We all know how expensive cars are now, and trust me. If you're going to buy a used car, the least you can do is take your time to carry out proper checks on that car before paying for it. Also, going with a certified mechanic helps a great deal.

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